Packers re-sign ILB Brad Jones

Green Bay - It's been a quiet two weeks of free agency for the Green Bay Packers. But on Thursday, they ensured the inside linebacker group would remain intact, re-signing free agent Brad Jones.

Terms of the deal are unknown.

Odds seemed to be against the Packers when free agency began. Early on, Jones drew significant interest in a weak class of free agent ILB class. But after visiting the Tennessee Titans last week, Jones returned to Green Bay Wednesday for a visit and then got a deal done.

When both Desmond Bishop (hamstring) and D.J. Smith (knee) were lost to season-ending injuries last season, the core special teams player Jones was inserted into the line-up and rarely ever left the field. Playing alongside A.J. Hawk in Green Bay's base defense and serving as the lone linebacker in dime, Jones finished 2012 with 77 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and four pass break-ups in 12 games.

Green Bay may be eyeing competition in training camp with Hawk taking a pay cut, Jones returning and the Packers also re-signing Robert Francois. In addition to Bishop and Smith coming off of their injuries, the Packers also have Terrell Manning and Jamari Lattimore inside.

Since the Packers drafted him in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft, Jones has been one of Green Bay's most versatile players on defense. That rookie season, Jones started seven games at outside linebacker with four sacks and 33 tackles. The following year, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. In 2011, Jones played primarily on special teams. And last season, Jones seemed to find a home at inside linebacker.

Considering the circumstances, Green Bay had to be pleased with what Jones offered in 2012. For a taller ILB -- at 6-3, 242 pounds -- Jones played the run well. And this summer, he'll likely be given a chance to keep his starting spot.

According to a league source, nine teams expressed interest in Jones, six of which saw Jones competing to start next season. And of those six, four teams entered substantive contract discussions. In the end, Jones chose the Packers.

About Tyler Dunne

Tyler Dunne covers the Green Bay Packers. He has been on the beat since 2011, winning awards with the Pro Football Writers of America and Milwaukee Press Club.